Packaging Failure Modes and How to Prevent Them

When packaging fails, it affects returns, complaints, safety, and your brand. Understanding common failure modes helps you prevent them early.

Structural Failure Modes

  • Crushed corners and panel collapse
  • Insufficient protection for drops or vibration
  • Components shifting or colliding inside the pack

Sealing & Sterility Failures (Medical Devices)

  • Seal contamination
  • Weak seals or channel leaks
  • Inadequate sterile barrier performance

Print & Labeling Failures

  • Unreadable text or barcodes
  • Color mismatches across runs
  • Incorrect or outdated regulatory statements

Prevention Strategies

  • Run appropriate transit tests
  • Validate seals and materials for your environment
  • Include packaging in your design reviews, not as an afterthought

Influence Packaging can review your current packaging and flag high-risk areas before they become field problems.

Request a failure-risk review.